On a Chinese Screen · Question
How does On a Chinese Screen develop the theme of Futility of Western Superiority?
Answer
On a Chinese Screen by W. Somerset Maugham develops Futility of Western Superiority across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative critiques the arrogance of Westerners who believe in their racial and technological superiority, yet are shown as spiritually empty, corrupt, or hypocritical, while the Chinese philosopher argues that Western dominance rests solely on the machine gun, not on moral or cultural excellence.
Despite her efforts, the room is only a 'decent substitute' for the real English article, underscoring the impossibility of fully transplanting one's culture.
The characters' self-importance and ignorance of local culture underscore the futility of their colonial posture.
The first secretary's flawless taste and self-assuredness are portrayed as both impressive and absurd, undercutting the notion of Western cultural superiority by revealing its emptiness and performative nature.
Evidence in the book
- II: My Lady's Parlour
Despite her efforts, the room is only a 'decent substitute' for the real English article, underscoring the impossibility of fully transplanting one's culture.
- VI: Dinner Parties
The characters' self-importance and ignorance of local culture underscore the futility of their colonial posture.
- I: Legation Quarter
The first secretary's flawless taste and self-assuredness are portrayed as both impressive and absurd, undercutting the notion of Western cultural superiority by revealing its emptiness and performative nature.
- VII: The Altar of Heaven
Untermeyer's attempt to assert his presence and achieve immortality is rendered meaningless by the caretaker's casual act, underscoring the futility of Western pretensions in the face of ancient culture.
- XX: The Beast of Burden
The chapter challenges the notion of Western superiority by revealing the coolies' endurance and the narrator's useless compassion, questioning the moral authority of the observer.
- XXI: Dr. Macalister
The doctor's transformation from an idealistic missionary to a pragmatic businessman suggests the erosion of Western moral superiority in the face of practical realities.
- XXVII: Sullivan
Despite his linguistic skill and cunning, Sullivan is utterly undone by a single act of Chinese authority, challenging any notion of Western invincibility.
- XXIX: Arabesque
The wall's immense scale and the suffering it represents challenge any notion of Western superiority, highlighting the profound and alien grandeur of Chinese civilization.
